Empowering, Inspiring, and Building Community through Sharing Wins
Today, we’re diving into a topic often overlooked but quintessential for personal and community growth: Celebrating Wins. In episode 94, I shared my struggle with owning my accomplishments and the importance of breaking this cycle, and offer actionable strategies to help you overcome hesitation and embrace your achievements.
Understanding the Hesitation
As someone who has navigated the academic and professional world, I know firsthand the struggle of sharing accomplishments. I recently hesitated for weeks before posting about attending a prestigious conference at Harvard University. Why do so many of us feel this way? The fear of judgment, the pressure to stay humble, and the societal norms that tell us to downplay our successes are significant factors. However, as I’ve realized, these hurdles are not insurmountable.
Societal Pressures and Internalized Norms
Many of us grow up in environments where humility is prized, often to the extent that we feel guilty for sharing our successes. This is especially true for women and people of color, who are conditioned to believe that celebrating their achievements equates to arrogance or egotism. Recognizing these internalized norms and actively working to dismantle them is crucial. We can be humble and still own our wins.
The Importance of Sharing Wins
Celebrating our accomplishments isn’t just about self-validation; it’s about much more.
Empowerment and Inspiration
By sharing your wins, you empower not only yourself but also those around you. Seeing someone overcome obstacles and achieve their goals can inspire others to strive for their own greatness. When I finally posted about my Harvard experience, the feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive, serving as a reminder that our stories can motivate others.
Building Community
Sharing your story fosters a sense of community. When you’re open about your journey, including the challenges and setbacks, people connect with you more profoundly. This connection is powerful; it makes others feel less alone in their struggles and more encouraged to reach out for guidance.
Challenging Societal Norms
In sharing our wins, we challenge societal norms that often confine and restrict us. As a Mexicana, Latina immigrant, I understand the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. By celebrating our achievements openly, we challenge these outdated norms and pave the way for future generations to do the same.
Strategies for Sharing Wins
If you’re like me and struggle with sharing your accomplishments, here are some strategies to help.
Start Small
Begin by sharing your achievements with close friends or family members you know will celebrate you. This smaller, more intimate circle can provide the initial encouragement you need. Gradually, as you become more comfortable, you can expand your audience to include social media and broader communities.
Focus on Impact
When you share your accomplishments, emphasize their impact on your work and community. Reflect on how these wins align with your values and contribute to the greater good. This approach shifts the focus from self-promotion to community upliftment, making sharing easier.
Celebrate the Process
It’s not just about the result; it’s about the journey. Share the challenges, setbacks, and lessons learned along the way. This humanizes your story and shows others that success is a process, not a destination.
Normalize Wins
Let’s make celebrating wins a regular part of our conversations. Start by recognizing your small accomplishments daily. Journaling or talking it out with a trusted friend can also help you get comfortable acknowledging your achievements.
Handle Negativity
Negative feedback is inevitable, but it’s crucial to focus on those who celebrate you and set boundaries with those who don’t. Remember, criticism often says more about the critic than about you.
Reframe Bragging
Lastly, let’s reframe the concept of bragging. When you share your accomplishments, you’re not boasting; you’re modeling growth, self-acceptance, and confidence. You provide a mirror for others to see their potential and inspire them to chase their dreams.
Conclusion: Join Me on This Journey
I hope my journey and strategies resonate with you, making you feel less alone in your struggle. It’s a continuous process, and I am committed to showing up and sharing my wins, even when it feels uncomfortable. The more we practice, the easier it becomes. So, let’s join hands and celebrate our wins unapologetically, taking up the space we deserve.
Thank you so much for reading, and I invite you to join me next week as we continue dismantling diet culture and societal norms together. Hasta luego!
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Muchísimas gracias!
